lily grew up in an orphanage a few towns away from wilmington. she was a bit of a loner and a wall flower, and did not really have much motivation to do anything as a child. she only knew that she wanted to get out of north carolina and she wanted to figure out what happened to her parents. she got a few leads and started to track her parents down, working random jobs while traveling but every single clue seemed to lead to a dead end. this was where she discovered her talent for investigations and decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. she was in boise, idaho for a long time and grew a little attached to her mentor and partner at the station who brought her up and taught her everything she knew. he ended up paralyzed due to her negligence and attachment, and the guilt ate away at her. she transferred to salt lake city. while there she got a few more clues about her parents and they all led her to wilmington. she's been here for four years, give or take. she's a little distrusting and aloof, so it takes a bit of effort to break down her walls.
IN THE WEEDS . . .
Lilian Isabelle Johnson. Apart from her name, Lilly received nothing else from her parents. Not their names, not their upbringing, not their care. Abandoned from birth, it was a cruel fate that she was born in Wilmington but was left at a church orphanage as an infant a few towns over. With no memories of either her mother or father, Lily as her name was quickly shortened, grew up with very little. She never had an opportunity to experience living in a cookie-cutter home or having a massive yard to play in. Nor did she ever desire such a white picket fence childhood. Unlike some of her friends, she was quiet and withdrawn from the very beginning. Easily overlooked when hopeful parents to be came to their church to find a child to adopt. Lily preferred the comfort of the home that she was in. She might not have gotten something traditional, but the nun that took care of her was more of a guardian than she could have wanted. Lily followed the rules because they ensured that she continued to have a warm bed to sleep in and three meals a day as she needed. She grew up religious to the extent necessary to appease the women that were her caretakers. They were not cruel, but not all of them were particularly warm either.
From the second that she knew sense, Lily had two goals in her life. Leave North Carolina for something better. Find out what happened to her parents. The first one was not as easy as she might have expected. She was not the brightest student in her class nor did she have any particular motivation to try. Lily, for all intents and purposes, was an outcast and an underachiever. Despite wanting to leave, she did try too hard to make that desire a reality. Nonetheless, it was receiving the slightest information about her parents that allowed Lily to set out in hunt of them. Still, she desired no happy family reunion. Rather, she just sought answers. Closure for where they were. Chances were, she told herself, she didn’t even really want to speak to them. Maybe just know that they were alive, living a life that was only possible if she was not in it.
Yet it was not so easy to track down the individuals that she was in search of. Somehow, every single lead seemed to land her at a dead end. Piece by piece, she gathered every shred of evidence that she could about their whereabouts, their last known locations, building out their entire history with the use of the limited resources that she had given it was a time that predated modern day technology. Nonetheless, for the first time in her life, she discovered something that she was actually good at. Unfortunately, that was the only discovery her hunt led to. For Lily did not uncover the truth she’d set out to find. It would only be years later that she would learn the reasons that information about her parents was so elusive.
Boise, Idaho. It was far away from the state where she grew up, and it was where Lily first started her career as an officer of the law. The talent that she discovered while searching for her parents came in handy at this point and she quickly was able to make a name for herself. Working side by side Officer Yates, she saw what it meant to have a mentor for the very first time. And maybe, just maybe, she started to get too attached. Though she denied it at the time, her emotional dependency on the man clouded her judgment. And in the process, it cost him his job, nearly his life when, flouting the orders he gave, she allowed her emotions to overpower her judgment during one of their cases. A bullet meant for her lodged itself in his lower back, and he awoke nearly five days later with little to no feeling in his legs. She was distraught and for a long time, Lily internalized her guilt and inconsolable self-loathing.
Unable to face him or his family, she quickly left the department that raised her and moved to Salt Lake City instead. And it was here, on true happenstance, that Lily once again discovered a few pieces of information about her parents. It was the discovery that they both worked in Wilmington that compelled Lily to once again set foot in the state that she’d left, seeking out the city that she was born in. Since coming to the town, she has been searching for answers about what happened to her parents and what drove them into witness protection.
Axel watched the woman with suspicion, his muscles tensing. Her words hit a nerve, and he struggled to keep his cool. "Careful... Throwing around accusations like that could get you in trouble," he said, feeling the woods close in around them. He sized her up, trying to figure out her angle. Was she onto him, or just being a pain? "I assure you, I have better things to do with my time than play hide-and-seek with corpses," he snapped. "Unlike some, I actually contribute to this city." The irony wasn't lost on him, but she didn't need to know his plans. "Why don't you tell me why you're really here, Detective? Surely you have more pressing matters than harassing innocent citizens in the woods."
Lily immediately stiffened her pose, growing defensive and on edge. Her arms crossed across her chest as her brow raised in challenge. “Are you threatening an officer on duty? Because I can promise you,” she paused to take a step closer to the man. “That will certainly get you in trouble.” Her eyes stayed fixed on the other. The first time they met she hadn’t really found any issue with him, but somehow he’d just rubbed her the wrong way. Now? Well she couldn’t help but be suspicious. And as he continued, she couldn’t help but scoff. “Spare me the PR statements. People in your income bracket don’t contribute to the city.” When he began to question her, her expression turned amused. “Harassing? I just asked you a simple question. Most people say they’re here to take a walk. You’re the one that started talking about bodies.” / @axelhughes
LOCATION: The diner
TIME: Wednesday afternoon
FOR: @lilyxjohnson
Malia had been haunted by the phone call her ex placed. He didn’t know where she lived … from what she knew but the message was clear; he wanted her back and would do anything to do it. "I've got this hypothetical situation," Malia began, her words tumbling out a bit. "What would you do if, say, an ex who was not so nice… tried to come back into your life? I mean, we're talking really not nice. Like, abusive not nice." She felt like she was balancing on a tightrope. Part of her desperately wanted to spill everything, while another part wanted to grab her words and stuff them back in her mouth.
She was not necessarily expecting conversation that day, but when the woman beside her began to relay a ‘hypothetical’ situation, Lily angled her body towards the other who was clearly facing a situation. And Lily was the last one to worry about romantic relationships and the quickest to cut people of when things got a little too close for comfort. As the situation got worse with each word, Lily, though stoic as usual, did not miss a beat in her response. “I’d tell them to fuck off.” Leaning against the counter a bit, she observed the woman a little more closely. “Why? What were you considering doing? Hypothetically.” / @maliaxwoodard
“Yeah that’s right,” she smiled happily at the other woman, truly glad that she hadn’t completely gotten her name wrong. “Oh I honestly remember most people I interact with,” Samira told her with a smile before continuing, “plus there was something about you—it was like you were doing the job but also like it was just you going through the paces, which makes sense of course. Plus you were one of the nicer ones.” She’d interacted with many staff members over the course of her career and almost always remembered the ones who treated everyone with respect fondly. There would be others who cleaned the offices and would deliberately leave them messy as if to teach people a lesson and those were the ones Samira would almost always try to limit interaction with. Not because she didn’t want to confront them but because she already had tried and it failed. “So—tell me, what are you doing now?” Because while Samira may not know the other woman personally—she definitely felt like she was destined for something other than being on a cleaning staff somewhere.
It was a strange coincidence to run into the woman here. For someone who was not only trying to outrun a past that she did not want to confront and did not keep too many attachments from her past, she was running into a few different people in town that she knew from before. And while they were hardly close, it was still odd. As Samira explained that she typically remembered most people she interacted with, Lily had to really think hard about whether or not they had interacted long enough for it to be memorable. “If I was one of the nicer one that says a lot about the others. But it was enough to pay the bills and I can’t say it was the worst job I’ve had, so I was content enough. Waitressing was worse.” A person like Lily was not made for the service industry, so pivoting into the cleaning services was actually an upgrade, though Samira wasn’t wrong to say she was mostly just working mindlessly. “But I remember you always seemed so busy. The same true now?” As the conversation went back to Lily, she shrugged. “I’m actually a detective. At some point I decided better to investigate crime scenes than clean then up.” / @samiraxiyer
Kimberly didn’t mind being questioned with the current investigations, especially since she was working for the mayor’s office and she wanted to help in any way she could. However, that didn’t mean she was nervous for herself. The last thing she wanted was for law enforcement to pry into her personal life and learn the truth of who she is and that was something she couldn’t afford to let happen. Therefore, as she entered the coffee shop where she was supposed to meet Lily, she couldn’t help but feel antsy as she scurried over and took a seat in front of the woman. “Hi.” she greeted with a nod before she listened attentively. Politely shaking her head, she declined and said, “I’m okay, feel free to go ahead with the questions." Even though she wasn't in the precinct, she had watched crime shows and she knew better than to be giving her DNA out for free. "—Actually speaking of questions, I did have one of my own if you don't mind me asking...Is there a reason why I was asked to do this? I'm under the assumption that the rest of the workers in City Hall will be undergoing the same questioning?"
Having done a number of these types of interviews or interrogations, depending on the person sitting across from her, Lily was quick to notice that the other woman was nervous. There were a number of explanations for this, some harmless and others more nefarious. She could easily be concerned for her own wellbeing, seeing as there was someone out there targeting people associated with the Mayor and she was one such person. She could be equally nervous to talk to someone about this, especially a law enforcement officer. Yet there was also a possibility that she was just nervous for a reason completely unrelated. Because she had something to hide and was not the best and masking that. So as they settled down, Lily did her best to survey the other without spooking her further. Lily opened her mouth to begin her spiel, but then Kimberly spoke first. Keeping her expression neutral, she nodded in response first. “Sure,” she began, “You work closely with the Mayor. Others at City Hall may be asked to discuss as well, but seeing as you are one of the handful of people that interacts with him on a daily basis, it makes sense to start the investigation with you. Is there anyone else at City Hall you think I ought to speak to? Or question, as you put it.” / @kmadrigalsoto
Hazal's eyes widened as Lily laid out her options. Her best friend was right, of course, but hearing it out loud made it all the more real. She fidgeted with her wine glass, her fingers tracing the rim as she considered the other’s words. "Cut it off completely?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. The thought of not seeing Lincoln, not laughing with him, not feeling his touch... it made her stomach churn. She shook her head, a rueful smile playing on her lips. "I don't think I can do that, Lily. The thought of avoiding him... it's just..." she trailed off, unable to find the right words. “Also, we work together, so how’s that going to work?”
She took another sip of wine, buying herself time to gather her thoughts. "But admitting I want more? God, that's terrifying. What if he doesn't want the same thing? What if it ruins everything at work?" This was a mess. She should have known better than to sleep with her boss. "You're right though. This limbo... it's driving me crazy." She sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I need to woman up and talk to him, but that’s easier said than done." A small, nervous laugh escaped her lips. "Any chance you want to have that conversation with him for me?" she joked weakly, knowing full well she had to face this herself. "Why can't I be like any other normal person and be okay with hookups? I mean, it's been done before. yet here I am...feeling something that's not supposed to be there for my insufferable boss. This might be karma coming back to bite me in the ass for freshman year."
Her job was to read people. But it did not require a lot of detective work for her to see how the mere thought of not seeing Lincoln again caused Hazal to stiffen. Her entire expression screamed distaste for the idea. And that alone was all the answer Lily needed. Lily was no romantic, but if Hazal felt this strongly for Lincoln, a man that she claimed she hated only a few weeks ago and who she said was supposed to be a one time thing, then clearly there was much more brewing under the surface. Which was why when Hazal tried to use work as an excuse yet again, Lily shook her head. “Don’t give me that Hazal. We both know that you had an extremely successful career before Lincoln, and you will continue to have one even without him.” In fact, Lily had never thought she’d see her friend outside of California. Lincoln was the reason she was in Wilmington. “You could find another job in a heartbeat.”
As she continued to process through her emotions, this was precisely the reason that Lily never ventured into relationship territory. It got messy and it often turned into one big guessing game. Does this person want the same? What if this, what if that? The what ifs alone would drive the detective insane. She preferred the clarity that came with scratching physical urges and leaving it at that. Lily laughed when Hazal tried to delegate the conversation. “I can’t have this conversation with him, but I can definitely issue a very scary warning about what I can do if he were to ever hurt you.” And though they were joking, she was aware that her friend would fully understand that Lily meant every word. “Don’t worry Haz, it’ll be better once you have an answer. I don’t think you’re really the casual hookups type, and what I’m realizing is that most people apparently aren’t. So if you slept with him, I doubt it was really because you just wanted the sex.” / @hazalyildizs
Donnie shook his head lightly, sticking his free hand out for her to shake. "I don't run these. I'm Donovan and I just volunteered to put up some flyers, I normally do every other month if I'm not very busy at the Fire Station." The man explained easily. He could tell that she was interested in the flyers, the look on her face said it all. Donnie thought of his loss and how much he'd learned to deal with it. Sometimes it was so easy to relate to other people, to feel empathy. It helped in his everyday life, but it helped his job even more. "I don't come to church, unless it's for the group." He offered her a flyer to keep, shrugging. "I've been going to these for a little bit, I can't say they've helped more than therapy, but it's not a waste of time, you know?"
“Donovan,” she peered at the man, trying to see if she could place either the name or face. Neither were familiar, despite him mentioning the Fire Station. “Here I thought I knew most of the first responders in the city. I'm Detective Lily Johnson.” She commented, choosing to gloss over the fliers that he mentioned and the support group, leaning instead on her own crutch of work to deflect. Yet as he continued to explain his involvement, she couldn’t help but wonder what exactly they offered. How these types of things would be beneficial? Hearing a bunch of people similarly situated all vent or cry about their abandonment issues. How was that going to help answer her questions. Only her parents could do that and they were currently suspects in a murder from decades ago. “Maybe, but I don’t really think they’re for me. I’m not into the whole kumbaya, talk about our feelings in a sharing circle thing. But I appreciate the vote of confidence.” / @donovanpaak
Peering up from his desk, Irza was startled by the unexpected visitor. Although, he should have known it was inevitable, what with the recent tragedies happening around the city. The other’s dry humor caught him off guard, and for a second, he wasn't sure how to respond. "Neither, Officer. A simple 'hello' will suffice," he replied, with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. As she sat down, he couldn't help but think about the shitstorm that had hit their city. Amelia Todd's death, Michael's suicide, and now Ember's close call—it was enough to make anyone's head spin. The thought of his friend in danger made his stomach churn. Leaning back in his chair, he eyed the woman, curiosity and apprehension mixing in his gut. "What can I do for you today, Officer?"
“Hello then,” Lily said once she had settled, pressing her palms together and observing the man that she had never really interacted with. She’d seen him on the news and perhaps at campaign events she happened to pass by. The responsibility of running the entire city was immense. Even more so with the looming threat of harm. Which was what brought her to his office that morning. As he questioned why she was there, Lily raised a brow in surprise. “I assumed that the reason for my visit would be obvious.” She began, not having expected that she’d have to spell it out for him. Though maybe this was all part of the plan to act as if everything was okay. “There has been a lot of activity in the city recently. And unfortunately, not good activity. I’m sure that it doesn’t take a master detective to put the pieces together. And surely a man of your position and experience was able to see the clear link between all the crimes that have taken place.” As she paused in her longwinded explanation, Lily came to her point. “My concern is both that you’re a walking target. And my question is whether you have any ideas on who may be behind all of this.” / @irzaozer
sasha couldn't help but sigh in relief to her friend's words. she wouldn't have minded otherwise but she had to do whatever she could to take care of her leg if she planned on making her way back to the olympics. as she mentioned losing braincells, she couldn't help but laugh at the other. a smile rested on her lips as she glanced over at it, "well, it can't get any worse than the kardashians or jersey shore. do you have a preference?"
Did Lily actually keep up with the latest reality shows to be in a position to suggest anything better, or in this case worse, than what Sasha proposed? No. Which was why she agreed, settling into the couch and leaning her head back against the cushions, eyes closing for a moment. “Kardashians. Somehow I feel like Jersey Shore is going to give me a headache along with brain damage.” In fact, she could swear she might have felt one coming on, though she had her own little home remedy for that. “Got anything to drink? Don’t get up, I’ll grab it. You want something?” / @sashahughes
sloane could tell the other was annoyed and she wasted no time shifting to attempt to find exactly what the other needed. "mm, sounds like he should reimburse you." she replied and squatted down to look through the washers she assumed the other would need. handing them over, she stood up. "you should probably get some pipe tape too so they stay in place. if you want, i'll be done soon and i can help you out." kian had taught her enough to be helpful.
“If I had the time to fight every person that owed me money, I’d be a much richer person.” Not directly owed her since it wasn’t often that actually loaned money to anyone. But there were plenty of small things here and there that she’d gone ahead and covered which she should have gotten back but she didn’t. Not for lack of frankness in asking. As Sloane offered up what she needed, Lily gave her a nearly exasperated look when she almost suggested that she needed additional supplies. But it was the offer of help that softened her agitation. “Please, that would save me a whole breakdown.” / @sloanexlawson
Axel walked through the woods, his mood foul. He'd come to clear his head, but thoughts of Shivani and their fight kept nagging at him. The betrayal left a sour taste in his mouth, and he couldn't shake the feeling that everything was falling apart. Kicking a branch, he scowled as it skittered away. The peaceful forest did nothing to calm him. She'd kissed her, they'd made out, and then she'd gone digging through his stuff. Finding her in his office, going through his plans for Wilmington, made his blood boil. Yet, he was the bad guy? He spotted a familiar face crouched nearby—Lily. Her appearance caught him off guard, interrupting his brooding. "Detective," he said coldly, nodding her way. "I could ask you the same. Didn't realize the police were patrolling the woods now." He eyed her suspiciously, recent news of kidnappings and murders making him tense. "Looking for more bodies to add to Wilmington's growing collection?"
The scowl on his face matched the frown on hers. It seemed that each time they ran into each other, he had something or another to complain about or was irritated about something. For a man that clearly had a lot of wealth, she figured he was the prime example that money could not buy happiness. Yet it was strange to find him here, seeing as he was the last man that she would have assumed would be wandering the woods. When he questioned her presence, she cocked a brow. “Perhaps,” she began, taking a step towards him and surveying his demeanor and appearance, before meeting his eye. “You haven’t left any for me to find, have you?” While not fully serious or a genuine accusation, there was something about the man that just didn’t sit right with her. Maybe it was paranoia, but she couldn’t help but feel as though he were hiding something. / @axelhughes
Lincoln stared down at the engine, his arm resting above the hood as he pressed his lips together. Counting to 5 in his head to calm himself before he glanced over at Lily, "We need a jump." He stated, shifting his weight between feet. He looked over his shoulder down the highway before back at Lily, "How far back do you think that gas station was?" This was probably what he got for suggesting they go hike in this new area that Lincoln found out about a few weeks ago. This is why sticking to old routines was always the way to go.
Lily stood on the side of the road, wondering why she agreed to go out on this excursion with him when they both had plenty of good trails within Wilmington. She never felt a need to wander too far from the place she made her home. The only reason she’d traveled in the past was in search of answers. And now they were stranded without a car in sight. It was what they got for trying to get away from civilization. “Do you intend to make the walk to and from the gas station into our hike for the day? Because by the time we’re done with that, we won’t need another.” She pulled out her phone, trying to check if there was any service. “Do you have any bars?” Because she didn’t. / @lincolnreid
Today was a rather busy day, which wasn't uncommon for a weekday since there were some people who prefered tea to coffee and had become regulars by now. Maybe it was just her paranoia talking. Ever since Mahi has planted the idea of keeping an eye out at who walked into the shop, Jemma has been paying extra attention, glancing at the door every time the bell chimed. She hadn't missed the woman walking in, but it didn't strike her who she was at the very beginning. She's been busy attending to another client, too, and it was only after she was done with them that she dared to search around the shop for her. "Lily!" There was a touch of surprise in her tone. What were the odds of her running into two people she's met while away from Wilmington in mere week? "Um-..." Her eyes fell on the package in her hand. "I can offer you a sample of that one, if you'd like. It's really good and perfect for the summer."
It was strange. Running into a person that she had once actually considered a friend. Lily had never been the type to look back when she left. To dwell on broken relationships or forgotten people. But now, suddenly faced with Jemma, she could feel a few memories flooding her mind. She wasn’t sure whether the other remembered her as well, but when she called out her name clearly, Lily was dispelled of any hopes. She didn’t necessarily have a reason to put distance between herself and Jemma. But it was a fact that her presence reminded her of Vincent, reminded her of the way her one stupid move had come with such a steep price. Looking at the packet in her hands, she looked back up and snapped into attention. “Really? It sounds a little too herbal if I’m being honest. But maybe I'll like it if I try it.” She cast a glance around, figuring that maybe Jemma could help her with a selection, choosing to avoid asking her what she was doing here. “Have anything to help with sleep?” / @jemmaxlawson
"You know, as someone who's attended this thing so many times, I must admit they really stepped it up with the food music this time." Amos popped a tartlet with a mysterious topping and hummed in delight. "So much better. And look at the people actually dancing tonight. I guess this Mayor is really changing things around like they say in the news."
It only made sense for her to be there. After all, with everything that had been going on in the city involving the Mayors, it would be absolutely idiotic for there to be absolutely no coverage. It was the perfect time for her to get any leads that others seemed to not really have any for her. Listening to Amos, she watched the crowds and committed the faces to memory as she responded, “Seems like a big show to reassure people everything is fine, when it isn’t.” / @amosdeleon
You'd think that as a bartender, Adriana would get a little bored of the liqueur being up for grabs, but alas, here she was, knee deep in the free booze. The young woman fully enjoying the perks of coming to such events, considering her otherwise lack of interest in the town politics. "You actually care about the election, or are you just here for the free food and drinks?" So, in other words, were they just here for the same reasons as herself?
She leaned against the bar, surveying the crowds in front of her, noting the people who were coming back to the bar repeatedly. Her attention turned to the woman beside her, and Lily shrugged. “I don’t really care. Maybe I should,” seeing as the leadership determined her job to a degree as well. “But I have to keep up with all the rumors and gossip.” Seeing as each of the developments could be crucial to her investigation. “And what better place to get gossip than a giant event like this?” / @silvadriana
Kye cursed under his breath as his car sputtered and rolled to a stop on the side of the road. He slammed his hand against the steering wheel in frustration. This was just his luck—getting stranded in the middle of nowhere on his way into Wilmington. He stepped out, kicking the flat tire with a scowl. The hot summer sun beat down on him as he popped the hood, peering uselessly at the engine. He didn't know the first thing about car repairs. Just then, he spotted a police cruiser pulling up in front of his disabled vehicle. He straightened up, running a hand through his tousled blonde hair. A smirk played across his lips as the female officer approached. This could work to his advantage. "Well hello there, officer," he purred, leaning against his car with his most charming smile.
“Hello,” Lily gave the man a once over. It was never appropriate to judge a book by its cover, but Lily made a profession out of profiling people. And something about the man told her that maybe she should have ignored her civic duty and just kept driving. Leave him to his own devices. But now that she had already stopped, she kept a bit of distance, noting that the hood of the car had already been propped open. “Car trouble?” It was more a statement, though phrased a question. “Do you have it covered or?” He didn’t strike her as the type who knew how to get his hands dirty. But maybe appearances would be deceiving. / @kyewinslcw
"Lily!" LT greeted as he made his way towards his cousin. Clapping his hands together, "Listen -- Axe and Sash are having a hell of a time right now. Bro is doing whatever the hell it is that he likes to do. So, you're my last chance here." He explained, "Are you doing okay? You feeling up to dealing with nonsense?" He waved his hands up and down as if he was weighting options, "Tell me you're up for giving me some attention. I'm bored -- love me."
She wasn’t sure how she ended up getting tagged with entertaining LT for the day. He announced that no one else was willing to engage with him and while she held her tongue so as not to be rude, his enthusiasm did not rub off on her. “If it keeps you from trespassing under the pretense of ghost hunting,” she exaggerated, giving her consent to spend time with him without doing so directly. “I’m fine. Work has been. . .” well she didn’t need to elaborate. One could surmise what worked looked like for her given everything that was happening in town. “What exactly am I signing up for?” / @ltjames
